Pipeline Firm Ends Palmetto Plans

Monday, April 4, 2016 @ 04:04 PM gHale

An energy company is halting work on the $1 billion Palmetto Pipeline after Georgia lawmakers approved a one-year moratorium on permits for petroleum pipelines in the state.

Texas-based Kinder Morgan said it has “suspended further work on the Palmetto Pipeline project,” which would have carried gasoline, diesel and ethanol across 360 miles from South Carolina through Georgia and into Florida.

The project met stiff opposition from environmental groups and landowners whose property the company hoped to build upon using eminent domain laws. The project had already received setbacks from the Georgia Department of Transportation and a Fulton County judge.

On Wednesday, the company blamed “unfavorable action by the Georgia Legislature” for its ultimate decision to halt the pipeline.